National essay contest highlights mental health insights across the fire service
Iain Hoey
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Darley and NFFF announce 2025 essay contest winners
Darley, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), has announced the winners of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest.
The contest, titled Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health Challenges in the Fire Service, is now in its fourth year.
According to Darley, the competition invited firefighters nationwide to examine the underlying causes of mental health challenges within the profession.
The company said this year’s contest received 85 entries.
Paul Darley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Darley, said: “Understanding the ‘why’ behind these challenges is crucial if we want to create meaningful, lasting solutions.”
“This competition gives firefighters and thought leaders a unique platform to share insights that can drive real change.”
“With 85 entries submitted, it’s clear the fire service is ready to engage in this critical conversation and lead the way forward.”
Focus on understanding root causes of mental health
The contest aimed to identify the factors that shape firefighter mental health challenges beyond the immediate demands of the role.
Darley said the essays were evaluated across four weighted criteria.
These included the specificity and viability of proposed solutions, the potential impact on the fire service, the quality of writing and a category for “intangibles” such as courage and originality.
According to the company, these measures ensured that entries were assessed for both their practical and reflective contributions.
The initiative builds on Darley’s continued collaboration with NFFF to encourage open discussion and evidence-based approaches to firefighter wellbeing.
Contest winners recognised for leadership and insight
Darley and NFFF have named five winners in this year’s competition.
First place went to Captain Marc Wysocki of Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department in Massachusetts.
Second place was awarded to retired Fire Chief Marc Revere of Mountain View and Monterey Park Fire Departments in California.
Third place went to retired Deputy Fire Chief and current Fire Commissioner John Murphy of Eastside Fire and Rescue in Washington.
The first runner up was Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Lindsey of Palo Alto Fire Department in California.
The second runner up was Shawn McKerry, Dean of the Lakeland College Emergency Training Center in Alberta, Canada.
Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of NFFF, said: “Our strength as a fire service has always been in how we show up for each other.”
“This competition is about more than awareness — it’s about creating solutions together.”
“By sharing ideas and experiences, we can move upstream, address the root causes of mental health challenges, and build a culture where well-being is part of who we are in the fire service.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest demonstrates how structured reflection within the sector can inform strategies for improving mental health support.
For fire and rescue chiefs, training officers and department leaders, the contest’s focus on identifying root causes of psychological stress offers practical insight for developing prevention and wellness programmes.
For policymakers and mental health professionals working with emergency services, the initiative provides evidence of growing engagement with the systemic and cultural factors affecting firefighter wellbeing.
By linking first-hand experiences with solution-oriented analysis, the competition adds to the ongoing conversation about operational resilience and the conditions that support long-term mental health in high-pressure environments.